Happy Anniversary

Fourteen years ago today, Cathie and I were married at the MSU Alumni Chapel. I was in my senior year at MSU studying Computer Science and Cathie had just graduated with a degree in Family/Community Services and had gotten her first job with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We honeymooned in New Smyrna Beach, FL as Hurricane Andrew destroyed Miami.

Cathie and I were talking tonight about everything that's gone on over the past fourteen years, including:

• I've had three jobs (MSU IM Dept, ASG and Xerox) and Cathie has had two jobs(Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metro Detroit and Clinton County)
• We've lived in 5 places (University Village, Burnt Tree Apts in EL, Apts in Novi, house in Livonia and our house in South Lyon.
• We've had 5 different pets (2 cats, a dog, 1 guinea pig - and a bunch of fish, which are barely pets)
• We've been members at one church (Crossroads, for 12 years)
• We've had three amazing children (Nate 9, Madeline 8, Emily 5)
• Both of our parents are still happily married and continue to be great role models for us on what love for a lifetime looks like
• We have 7 nieces and nephews
• All of my brothers, my sister and Cathie's brother Ed are now married. My adopted brother Will is close, we hope.
• We've had two roommates (Will for 2 months and Jess for a year)
• I've taken approximately 100,000 pictures
• Cathie has completed one photo scrapbook

Most of all, I've fallen deeper in love with Cathie than I ever thought possible. I've learned what it means to be connected with another person at a soul level. I've learned to and serve my wife and honor her in everything I do and say. I am married to my best friend in the whole world and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her. Cathie's grandparents just celebrated their 60th anniversary, my parents their 40th and Cathie's are coming up on their 37th - all of which seem an eternity, but all amazing examples to us on what a lifelong commitment looks like.

Tags: MSU Alumni Chapel, Anniversary